Ta Da ~ We Have a Kitchen/Dining Table

Yay!

I finally got the table legs tightened. I apparently needed something called an alan wrench.

Well a friend let me borrow one but it was the wrong size. The next step in this long arduous process was some kind of little bit things and a regular wrench/pliers/whatever else I could use to tighten the legs. So after much determination on my part and laying on the floor on top of the upside down table trying to tighten the wobbly legs -- it is done!

I now have a table and what was the first thing I did on said table (well after I cleaned it of course).

I folded my laundry! So make that my dining/kitchen/laundry table. It is truly a jack of all trades.

El Gato Guapo is very happy - he now has more places to hide and loves to sit on the chairs and hide under the table :)

La Cucaracha

This was in an email I sent a couple of days ago. I can honestly say I haven't been without shoes since this incident. I haven't seen any more of their friends and I have starting taking up El Gato Guapo's food and water at night. Note he is not amused and is protesting loudly. But sorry charlie - he doesn't kill them, he leaves that to me -- so he'll just have to deal.

I just had a run in with the fastest cockroach I have ever seen. I mean this thing was moving at warp speed. Not the biggest mind you - but the fastest. I met another one last night on the way back from bathroom.

ICK!

We did not have such a quantity of these things in PA. Is that the trade off cockroaches for snow?

I now need to go to bed - but I do not want to turn the lights off as that will encourage more of their friends to come out.

I say again ICK!

17 Hours in a Movie Theatre?!?!

Published Wednesday, May 23, 2007
`Star Wars' Fans Get Marathon Screening

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - Seventeen hours in a darkened theater not so far away? Welcome to the "Star Wars" marathon.

A free showing of all six "Star Wars" movies began Wednesday morning at the Los Angeles Convention Center and was expected to end at 2 a.m. Thursday.

The event kicked off a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the release of the original film.

Several thousand people showed up for the screening, which included brief intermissions.

"Because the saga spans 30 years, it spans multiple generations of fans as well," event spokesman Jonathan Zaleski said. "There are people in costume, families. It's an interesting mix."

"You get the usual assortment of Storm Troopers running around," he added. "I imagine it's pretty uncomfortable to sit for 17 hours encased in plastic."

Lucasfilm Ltd. supplied the digital prints for the movies and is involved in "Star Wars Celebration IV" at the Convention Center. That event, open to fan club members Thursday and to the paying public Friday through Monday, was to include costume contests, exhibitions of movie props, autograph opportunities from "Star Wars" celebrities and even a Storm Trooper "Olympics."

E.T. Phone Home

So I FINALLY heard from my mom over the phone in South Korea. She called me as I was leaving work so it was like 7am Sunday morning where she was. But it was so nice to hear her voice. She says they are doing well -- it is a lot of walking and today there were headed out for a long bike ride. They haven't had a lot of internet access. Yesterday was the first day they got to check their mail since Monday - so that's why the blog isn't getting updated as often as she'd like. She said they only had an hour as well -- so still no pictures :(

But she sounded good -- and said to tell everyone hello and wanted to know if everyone was reading her blog. I said yes and that I heard from a couple of people that they were enjoying it. If you want to send her a quick something -- send it to her yahoo email. She doesn't have time to read the posts to the blog.

That's it for now -- have a great weekend!

Desiderata

This is one of my favorite poems ever.

I first heard it read in April 1995 at an Intercom Retreat in Erie, Pennsylvania.

I hope it puts a smile on your face :)

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

Long Distance Request & Dedication

Gah!

My mom is guilt tripping me from Korea because I didn't write an email.

I guess posting to her travel blog wasn't good enough.

Oh well!

I made sure to write an extra long email and included all my blog posts as well (since most of them had her in them).

My mom gets the best e-mail!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

First let me preface by saying while she is away I have the task of deleting all the junk mail. But I just had to share this gem.

KILLER BISCUITS WANTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER
(the actual AP headline)

Linda Burnett, 23, a resident of San Diego, was visiting her in-laws and while there went to a nearby supermarket to pick up some groceries.

Several people noticed her sitting in her car with the windows rolled up and with her eyes closed, with both hands behind the back of her head. One customer who had been at the store for a while became concerned and walked over to the car. He noticed that Linda's eyes were now open, and she looked very strange. He asked her if she was okay, and Linda replied
that she'd been shot in the back of the head, and had been holding her brains in for over an hour.

The man called the paramedics, who broke into the car because the doors were locked and Linda ref used to remove her hands from her head.

When they finally got in, they found that Linda had a wad of bread dough on the back of her head.

A Pillsbury biscuit canister had exploded from the heat, making a loud noise that sounded like a gunshot, and the wad of dough hit her in the back of her head.

When she reached back to find out what it was, she felt the dough and thought it was her brains.

She initially passed out, but quickly recovered and tried to hold her brains in for over an hour until someone noticed and came to her aid.

Linda is a blonde and a Republican, but I'm certain that's irrelevant


Let me just say I can totally relate to the whole fear of canned biscuits. They freak me out when I have to open them. I'm all about loving the biscuits but that sound when they pop and the fact that you have to use a spoon...ick!

fREADom

How awesome is this poster - it was originally created for National Banned Book Week - I got it from this blog called Necessary Chocolate and I simply love the title as all chocolate is necessary. It just proves Lady Lib is the bomb!

Saturday Spending Spree...

So I spent way too much time and $$money$$ on a trip to Target after work. I initially went to return something and then only went to look for one or two things --- well almost two hours and lots of dollars later I emerge from the bullseye and pile my treasures into the vehicle and make my way home. Here are the highlights:

• The New Michael Buble cd
• Some Kelly Clarkson cd's (I don't even watch American Idol but I dig her...and I also ahem have a couple of Clay Aiken cd's in my collection - but really the one is his Christmas cd and he does a fabulous rendition of the song Mary, Did You Know?)
• Lemmings Computer Game - I used to play this on my Uncle's computer all the time and it was *only* $10 - sigh, a walk down memory lane.
• Finally the think I am most excited and geeky about not just because of what it is but because I got a faboo deal is the entire season of Firefly! Seriously it is awesome! If you haven't already checked it out you definitely should and then watch the movie entitled Serenity. Nathan Fillion and Jewel Staite are both on MySpace as well.

That's it from me for now -- Ya'll have a great weekend :)

Groundhog Day Anyone?

So I have experienced deja~vu this week.

Twice in a row I woke up to the same Kelly Clarkson song.

Weird...It's her new one though

Never Again

I guess it could have been worse in the movie Bill Murray's character hears Cher repeatedly.

Follow the bouncing blog...

While reading this blog I came across the following blurb which is from another blog. You can read the entire rant here or go here to read the HBI manifesto. Caution any links you follow may contain language of an adult nature - Click at your own risk! It made me think about the so-called Peter Pan syndrome that some people go through - but more after the blurb...

Too many men derive their sense of superiority from the fact that that they think they must be needed by women. The primordial fear instilled by strong women into the unevolved mind is one that says "If a women don’t need me, then what good am I? What do I have to offer? How can I control her and the relationship if she doesn't need me?" In the same way that women need to re-think their roles in society, so too do men. They need to realize that they have to offer much more to a relationship than a paycheck and jar opener service. They need to stop treating their romantic relationships as competitions. Many of them need to grow up and realize that they can’t continue to be children in adult bodies and get away with acting like imbeciles just because they "bring home the bacon". When a man is no longer "needed" for financial or other support, he has to really grow up and be an adult. He has to be someone women can love and respect - someone a woman wants to be with, rather than someone a woman needs. It seems that many men are terrified of this prospect.

At some point we all must grow up and be accountable for our actions. Unfortunately some people never will. For that fact I am sad, but I have come to realize that we each only have control over ourselves. It would be nice if all people could behave humanely but unfortunately this is not the case in today's society. I for one, strive to treat others as I want to be treated. I say what I mean and mean what I say. I don't lie to people and tell them what I think they want to hear. If you are my friend I tell you the truth and expect the same in return.

April has been quite the ride for me personally. I am hoping for less drama in May. I am striving to take better care of myself as I forgot to do that for awhile. I let myself get wrapped up in something and forgot to concentrate on myself. Some things especially self realizations suck sometimes - but they are the cost of growing up. In the last few days with my coworker that retired I realized that sometimes I don't take direction very well.

Making yourself a better person is not an easy thing to do - if it were we'd all be perfect.
I believe there is a quote about to err is human to forgive is divine.

I am also realizing the fabulous support system I had at home in PA all my family, friends and the GR Ladies. I miss you and love you - I'm sorry I didn't appreciate you more when I was closer. I am striving towards my goal of building those kinds of friendships here - but they are some huge shoes to fill.

To ALL my friends and family I LOVE YOU & I MISS YOU!

Random Friday Thoughts

Well I have heard once again that I have spent too much time away from blogging -- so HI BEANER! [I'll probably hear about it for calling them that - but ah -- I'm blogging so they are getting what they want! ;) ]

Let's see what has been happening in my life...

I have survived my first graduate school semester and am still alive. I am fully expecting 2 A's in my classes -- I should find out for sure next week so keep your fingers crossed until then.

I have survived work since my co-worker retired. I wish her well but I really, really miss her - she was an awesome partner in crime. So currently I am flying solo -- I hope FG's replacement is half as awesome as she was -- whoever it is they have some pretty big shoes to fill. FG I love you and if you ever want to come visit and ride shotgun again -- all you have to do is ask!!

One of my "little" brothers graduated from college last weekend! Way to go RW!! Magna Cum Laude no less!!! I am so proud of you and know you will do awesome in your student teaching next fall. You will note the quotes around the little as he (well really both my brothers) now tower above me -- but I'll always be the older loving and proud sister to both my "little" brothers. Love ya boys -- be nice to your mother on Sunday!!

My other "little" brother graduates in June from High School - he is currently in the final throes of senioritis and is hopefully not driving his teachers too crazy. Do you hear that PJ?? Be nice to your teachers -- you may need them for references!! I know he will do awesome things next year in college! I hear he is babysitting this weekend for our cousin's little boy as her brother is graduating with his Master's in Architecture from the U of IL @ Chicago so most of the family treked out to IL for the ceremony. So a big yay to KJ as well on his accomplishments as well.

Thanks to my OC Ladies and everyone else for the prayers this past week for my friend AM's sister Alice - her surgery went well and she is home.

If you have a spare minute this week please say a prayer for my Aunt's mother Mrs. K who fell recently and is currently recovering. Thanks :)

My mom and the rest of the team made is safely to South Korea. If you know her personally and want to follow her travel adventures but don't have her blog address -- email me and I'll get you the link.

Speaking of MOMS....BE NICE TO YOURS ON SUNDAY!!
So to all the Mom's, Grandma's and Mom type figures out there -- Have a Great Day and know that YOU are LOVED and APPRECIATED!

Kudos to Disney

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Go Smoke-Free: Walt Disney World Resort Senior Vice President for Operations Erin Wallace announced today that all Disney-owned and operated hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort will become smoke-free by June 1, 2007. The policy also applies to all Disney Vacation Club Resorts. With more than 20 Disney owned and operated resorts on property this represents the largest single site resort complex to institute this type of smoking policy change. The new policy applies to all guest rooms, patios and balconies and designates outdoor smoking areas at all resorts affected by the change. Smoking is currently prohibited in all lobbies, common areas, restaurants and convention spaces.
For the full press release: http://allearsnet.com/news/hnews.htm#050107